Discussion

Manuel Latruwe's closed for renos (Calgary)

Just a heads up for anyone thinking of making the trek... I went to Latruwe's this morning and signs in the windows indicate they're closed for renovations until February 7th. I ended up over at Rustic on 17th Av and picked up a very nice Cranberry Pecan bread (covered in toasted sesame seeds... hard to stop at just one slice!) and a Buttermilk Rye (which I have yet to get in to since Im trying to watch calories).

Here's hoping Latruwe's opens as scheduled.

Oh, and on a different note I had a Gilchrist sighting at Lina's last night; he appeared to be hosting about a dozen faux fur clad 40-somethings for coffee.

A co-worker mentioned that Manuel Latruwe is taking over the space next door. I'm excited for the expansion! If only we had more of these patisserie + coffeeshop-type places, preferably in a location good for people-watching.

I haven't exactly had my nose up against the window, but from walking by regularly it hasn't looked like anything is happening for the past few weeks. When they first closed there was plenty of activity outside but not for a while now...crap!

I did some digging (dunno why I didn't find this before) and came up with a Gilchrist article about the renos and the new store next to ML's: "Dominique Moussu is opening a French deli called L'Epicerie to answer the nagging question of what to pair with Latruwe's fine Belgian breads and pastries. Moussu, who also holds the dual positions of executive chef and managing partner at Teatro, will be preparing his own pates as well as importing cheeses, spices, prepared meats, fresh vegetables, and other specialty foods from France. L'Epicerie will open in early March." article was dated 01/17/2008 ... so the timeline is off but I'll definitely check out both once they're open.

Thanks for the update. I drove by today because im going bonkers without my vanilla croissants, and blue cheese and walnut bread. Anyway, there was construction going on, and the windows have been painted with "opening soon signs". I was enthused, until i took a closer peak, and noticed not a lot done inside.

I don't know if these guys are working like restaurant makeover, but i get the impression it'll still be a while.

Yes I saw the bright signage last weekend ...took that as a sign of progress or at least an effort to get the message across that they haven't closed for good. The french grocery next door will make for an interesting combo I think.

I know they're not the same but have you checked out Ladybug's croissants yet? I quite like them (heh k you probably got that from my waxing poetic about the blue cheese ones lol) The weather this weekend is shaping up for prime bbqing ...an opportunity to make room in your freezer :)

I've tried the ones they have there. They were decent, but not quite what i was looking for. Timing may have been the issue as well, as i don't usually get to CFM until the PM. I am at ML by 10am, else they are often sold out.

Don't get me wrong, they are certainly better than many other croissants in the city, but when you have your mind fixed on something...

And i appreciate your offer to store the bacon, but they'd get lonely so far away from their other friends :)

Philippe Pilont is a pastry chef who will opening a shop on Northmount Drive NW. He will be doing French and Venezulan pastries. It is nice to see more higher end pattisseries starting up. He is currently renovating and hopes to be open soon.

lol you can get your croissant fix at CFM...not Latruwe's but still delicious. Ladybug does a fab blue cheese croissant and you can take some frozen ones home (although they're plain) and have 'em all week.

I know someone said long ago she used to work at Latruwe, but it's just not the same!

How are the frozen ones? I've always considered buying them and bringing them home, but my freezer is usually packed. Any experience with them? I believe they also have plain, and chocolate as the take home croissants.

The frozen ones are quite good. I've only bought them once and chose plain...forgot there were other flavours since they weren't an option for me (my kids and chocolate croissants = big sugar-fueled mess). There's nothing quite like a croissant warm from the oven, and the house smells wonderful the whole day too :)

Really? Heh apparently I didn't look close enough...probably because I'm usually pushing the stroller, sipping my Americano and trying to make sure the kids aren't getting in to things (their reach is amazing!). Thanks sharonanne :)

They are quite small! Also (although this probably mightn't apply so much to people who have children to wake them early), the preparation instructions were quite involved if you wanted to bake them the minute you got up. I think I had to put them on a baking tray in the oven overnight, with a bowl of water on the shelf below or something like that?